Wiedeman best choice to replace Foley in Hawks TV booth
Chicagoans have been blessed when it comes to their broadcasters.
Spoiled even.
Over the years we've seen legends like Harry Caray, Jack Brickhouse, Vince Lloyd, Steve Stone and Lloyd Pettit; the quirky, excitable Hawk Harrelson; and the ever-steady Jim Durham.
Another legend - and there are some who would argue Pat Foley is the best this city's ever seen - will retire when this Blackhawks' season ends.
Other than a two-year hiatus from 2006-08, Foley has been calling Hawks games since 1980. It's truly an incredible run for one of the best voices in all of sports.
So, here's the big question - who will fill Foley's seat in 2022-23?
Considering Chicago's long, storied history, the Hawks would be doing a huge disservice to their fans if they didn't hire the best person for the job:
• Someone with a powerful voice who flawlessly describes the action.
• Someone who tirelessly prepares for every game.
• Someone who possesses expert knowledge of the league and the sport.
• And someone who viewers respect and look forward to hearing.
This season we've seen TV's version of hot potato in the booth - for a few games it's Foley, then it's a new face, another new face, back to Foley, another new face, etc.
These broadcast Olympics already have a clear winner who sticks the landing every time - and that's WGN Radio's John Wiedeman.
A native of Kansas City, Mo., and 1989 graduate of the University of Kansas, Wiedeman has sat alongside former Hawks forward Troy Murray for 16 seasons. He's delivered time and again, exploding with palpable energy during some of the biggest moments in team history.
One of the best examples came in Game 6 of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final against Tampa Bay when Duncan Keith opened the scoring late in the second period:
"Taken away by Saad, to Richards at center ice, to Kane over the Lightning line. Right point - a saucer pass to Keith high slot.
"HE SHOOTS! WHAT A SAVE. HE FOLLOWS UP TO THE GOAL. HE SCOOOOOORES!!!
"DUNCAN KEITH!
"HIS FIRST GOAL IN 16 PLAYOFF GAMES AND HIS FIRST OF THE FINAL! THE HAWKS TAKE A 1-NOTHING LEAD ON THE LIGHTNING ..."
The heart-pounding call ended up in the Hawks' self-made championship video entitled "Hat Trick." Go back and read it - or better yet - give it a listen. It encapsulates everything Wiedeman would bring to the TV booth.
Wiedeman's 30-year broadcasting career includes stops with the Muskegon Fury, Worcester IceCats and Cincinnati Cyclones (where he simulcasted on radio and TV). His first NHL job came in Philadelphia in 1996, and after taking gigs with the Lightning, Blue Jackets and Islanders, he joined the Hawks in 2006.
In addition to his play-by-play talent, Wiedeman's dedication to his craft is on display throughout the season. He dutifully prepares for games days in advance and is normally at the United Center two hours after morning skate ends, writing down notes, stats and tidbits that he'll often weave into the action.
Wiedeman has had three chances to broadcast games on TV this season. Two others were called off due to COVID-19 issues. It's not clear whether or not he'll be in the TV booth for those rescheduled contests.
One other option the Hawks might consider would be a veteran NHLer from another team. Judd Sirott is a great example. Sirott, a 1987 graduate of Buffalo Grove High School, did pregame and postgame work on WGN Radio for the Hawks and broadcast for the Chicago Wolves for 12 years. He is currently the radio voice of the Boston Bruins.
Hopefully the Hawks renew Eddie Olczyk as the color commentator. If that doesn't happen, move Murray over and pair him with Wiedeman.
The Hawks have had a rough run of late, on and off the ice. In fairly short order we'll see if they can finally nail this easy one-timer and give their fans what they deserve.